What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:-any type of cancer-diabetes or changes in blood sugar-sleep apnea or loud snoring-scoliosis-an unusual or allergic reaction to mecasermin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or other preservatives-pregnant or trying to get pregnant-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Try to use this medicine at about the same time every day. Use it shortly before a meal. If your child cannot or will not eat, then do not give that day's dose. It is important that your child eat well and not skip meals.

Look at the medicine before using it. It should be clear and colorless or a little yellow. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy or has solid pieces in it.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue-breathing problems-changes in vision-hip or knee pain-low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)-problems walking

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):-aches, pains-change in hair growth or look of the face-lumps under the skin at site where injected-pain or swelling at site where injected-snoring or trouble sleeping

Where should I keep my medicine?

This medicine will be shipped frozen to you or to your doctor's office. It should be kept frozen at all times until you are ready to use it. Store it in your freezer at -20 degrees C or lower (-4 degrees F or colder). Once the medicine thaws, use it within 1 hour. Throw away the vial if it has been thawed for more than 2 hours. Do not use this medicine if it has been in your freezer for more than 2 months.